Hulk Hogan apologized on Friday for a racist rant caught on tape, in which he reportedly makes vulgar remarks about his daughter, Brooke Hogan, dating a black man.

According to a joint investigation by the National Enquirer and Radar Online, Hogan -- whose real name is Terry Bollea -- is captured on a sex tape made in 2008 repeatedly using the N-word among other highly offensive remarks. The tape is actually at the center of a high-profile $100 million lawsuit against the website Gawker, after the site published a part of the sex tape in 2012.

"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation," Hogan said in a statement to ET. "It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs. It is not who I am. I continue to work every day to improve as a person, and this matter is an important learning experience for me in that regard. As a result I am resigning from my contractual relationship with the WWE."

Hogan's rep tells ET that he resigned at around 8 p.m. EST on Thursday after learning that the transcript was going to be published by the National Enquirer, because he didn't want to involve the WWE.

But the WWE says it actually terminated its contract with the legendary 61-year-old wrestler.

"WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea. WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide," the company said in a statement.

The WWE has also removed all mention of Hogan from their website. He's no longer listed as a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, and his merchandise can no longer be found at the WWE Shop.

Hogan tweeted a cryptic message on Thursday.

"In the storm I release control, God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be, one love. HH," he wrote.

In the storm I release control,God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be,one love. HH

Earlier this month, former Food Network star Paula Deen found herself in hot water again for posting an image of her and her son, Bobby, dressed as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz -- with Bobby wearing brownface. Watch below: